“The Ghost” takes on “Maravilla”

By Juan Barajas: On April 17 Middleweight Champion Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik defends his World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Organization (WBO) and Ring middleweight titles against WBC junior middleweight Champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Pavlik, 36-1 (32), first became world champion when he knocked out former undefeated middleweight champion Jermain Taylor in September of 2007. In that fight, Taylor had dropped Pavlik in the second round with a hard right hand and although Pavlik was on shaky legs for the remainder of the round, Taylor was unable to finish him off and the fight continued. In the seventh round, Taylor, ahead on all three scorecards, was hit with a right hand and a set of combinations that sent him crumbling down in the corner at which time referee Steve Smoger stepped in protectively over Taylor and stopped the fight. Four and a half months later, both men met again in a rematch which was more tactical and less explosive than the first bout. The fight went the distance and though not fast paced, in the late rounds Taylor appeared spent, grabbing and holding Pavlik during exchanges on the inside; easily handing Pavlik a unanimous decision win.

Pavlik’s only loss came at the hands of the not so old 43-year-old former middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins in October of 2008. The fight took place at a catch weight of 170 lbs with no titles at stake; Hopkins, 48-5-1 (32), embarrassed the 26 year old champion by simply out boxing him the entire fight. Pavlik was confused by the former champions’ style, unable to put punches together consistently and at times appeared lethargic. Hopkins was awarded the win by unanimous decision, reinforcing the continuance of his career, and leaving Pavlik to ponder his.

After his disappointing loss to Hopkins, Pavlik was in need of a strong showing in his next fight. In February of 2009, it was Marco Antonio Rubio, 43-4-1 (39), who was out boxed, rarely throwing punches and with no apparent strategy. Pavlik pounded on Rubio with ease over eight rounds and before the start of the ninth, Rubio’s corner ended the fight, giving Pavlik a technical knockout win. Pavlik’s next big name opponent was to be Paul “The Punisher” Williams in October of 2009, but a staph infection in the middle finger of his left hand postponed that bout and securing another date between the two never materialized. Pavlik was able to fight again before the year was up and in December he faced former contestant on “The Contender”, Miguel Angel Espino, 20-2-1 (9), whom he beat by TKO in the fifth round.

Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, 44-2-2 (24) won the Interim WBC junior Middleweight Championship when he battered Alex Bunema 30-5-2 (17) over eight rounds in October of 2008. On the advice of the ringside physician, the fight was stopped before the start of the ninth as Bunema sat on his stool with both of his eyes practically swollen shut.

Over the past year, Martinez’ resume of hard fought battles have brought his name to the forefront of discussions when top fighters in his weight class are mentioned. In February of 2009, Martinez fought Kermit Cintron, 30-2-0 (28), to a controversial decision draw after 12 rounds.
The fight started off slow but picked up in the 5th when Martinez opened up a cut over Citron’s left eye. Now the controversy; in the 7th round, Cintron was dropped with a left hand by Martinez, Cintron, thinking that the punch was actually a clash of heads, stayed down until the referee counted to ten at which time the bell rang, sounding the end of the round. Cintron immediately rose to his feet and began to plead his case when he learned that the referee had counted him out. After minutes of explaining his reasoning, the referee reversed his ruling and signaled that the fight was back on. Both fighters immediately picked up the pace with Martinez looking the stronger of the two. In the 12th, Martinez landed a punch on the back of Cintron’s head, forcing the referee to deduct a point from Martinez which essentially cost him the win.

In December of 2009, Martinez met up with Paul “The Punisher” Williams, 37-1 (27), in an action packed fight at 160 lbs. From the first round when both fighters hit the canvas until the final bell, it was give and take for all 12 rounds. Throughout the fight, Martinez appeared to land the more cleaner and accurate punches, but based on aggressiveness, the decision could have gone either way; and unfortunately for Martinez, the majority decision went to Williams.

On paper, Kelly Pavlik vs. Sergio Martinez should be an exciting fight. Each fighter has proven their commitment to the sport and it shows from their past performances. Pavlik, (27), is the younger and taller fighter of the two, but surprisingly gives up an inch in reach to his opponent. Martinez, (35), is slick and aggressive and isn’t afraid to battle in the middle of the ring, but he can’t afford to underestimate Pavlik’s power and skill. What may be problematic for Pavlik is that Martinez is a southpaw and although he will prepare accordingly in training, he hasn’t faced a southpaw in the ring since July of 2006 when he fought Bronco McKart. Pavlik can be hurt, but has proven his ability to recuperate and annihilate all in the same bout. Martinez is older, but not old, and has shown his endurance and ability to deal with whoever is in front of him.

Pavlik vs. Martinez will be a thrilling fight that will be decided on stamina, clean punching and determination, a fight that shouldn’t be missed.

Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik vs. Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez is scheduled for 12 rounds, for Pavlik’s Ring/WBC/WBO middleweight titles and will be televised April 17, 2010 on HBO.

March 15, 2010